14 Wairarapa Midweek Extra Wednesday, December 1, 2021 ARATOI VOICES
Extra
Come visit a magical fairytale One of my favourite times in the museum is when a new exhibition comes in. I love this secret world behind closed doors, that the normal everyman on the street doesn’t see. I love the hustle and bustle, the behind the scenes work that goes on, the boxes carefully being brought in and unwrapped with gloved hands. The nervous worrying of the artist – will I fill this huge space? Am I good enough? The walls are prepped, plastered and painted, blank and it feels fresh, like a new start. There is a buzz in the air as soon as pictures start to be hung and sculptures are put into position. Staff wander in to take photos of the install, lights are tweaked and vinyl signs are unrolled and smoothed on to the walls. This week, we have a huge changeover. The main gallery is being transformed from a collection of portraits into a
magical fairyland of flowers and elegant woodland creatures. These beautiful sculptures delicately hang off the wall. The clever illusion is that these creatures are floating, poised on a single hoof, is expertly done so you don’t notice the brackets holding it all together. Natasha Cousens’ exhibition ‘Beyond the red flowers’ is a visual feast of colour, texture and sparkle. Each sculpture draws on the idea of emotion and spirituality. Even though her sculptures are classic fairy tale creatures; dogs, rabbits, deer and birds, you can read emotion on their faces. You can’t help but start reliving your memories of watching Bambi or Watership Down for the first time. Her woodland creatures are poetic and ethereal, the lines between reality and surreal are blurred.
From the upcoming Natasha Cousens’ exhibition Beyond the red flowers.
Each piece has a quality that makes you think about the cycle of life and death. Pretty delicate flowers pop against a thick heavy velvet background, a wreath wrapped around a set of severed deer heads. The colours she has chosen are unnatural, bright purples, sparkly
Feedback sought on Ageing Strategy Wairarapa councils are seeking feedback on the region’s positive ageing strategy Te Hōkai Nuku. The strategy was developed in 2019 by Carterton, Masterton, and South Wairarapa councils. It aims to improve and integrate services for older people and help them lead valued, connected, and fulfilling lives. In the next 25 years, the number of Wairarapa residents aged over 65 is expected to increase by about 79 per cent to nearly 15,000, or one-in-four residents. Positive Ageing Strategy coordinator Lisa Matthews
said life in Wairarapa had changed exponentially since the launch of the strategy. “Covid-19 and two lockdowns here have changed all our lives, including those of our older citizens.” Because of the significant changes happening since the strategy was released, the councils want to hear from residents again. This community feedback would inform a three-year plan to guide the initial work forward. Five pop-up events will be held across Wairarapa to gather feedback.
Pop in events times and locations • Martinborough: Monday 29 November, 10.30am to 11.30am, Waihinga Centre Supper Room. • Carterton: Thursday 2 December, 10.30am to 11.30am, Events Centre foyer. • Masterton: Thursday 2 December, 1.30pm to 2.30 pm, Senior Citizens Hall, 8 Cole St. • Greytown: Tuesday 7 December, 10.30 to 11.30am, Greytown Town Centre. • Featherston: Tuesday 7 December, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Anzac Hall.
A HOME FOR A PET Hi, my name is Chewie (after the Wookie... not because I chew everything in sight!). I’m a medium-sized, mixed-breed girl, about a year old. I love all things fun, like playing football with my humans, chasing sticks, and running and jumping around with other dogs. I really love water! I’m a clever cookie who learns very quickly, given the right motivation. I am looking for a knowledgeable home that has the time and patience to train me and continue my socialisation. I’m a super energetic girl who is looking for a very active family to join. I’m not great with cats or other small animals. If you and your home are ready for an energetic young dog, and you think you can give me what I need, please give the team at the Masterton SPCA a call on 0800 467 732 and make an appointment to come and meet me. WWW.MSTN.GOVT.NZ @MastertonDC
gold, grey, black and stark white. Her creatures are full of symbolism and imagery that is found throughout folktales, fables and myths. These ideas and imaginings, and retelling of traditional stories aim to prompt and make connection of shared
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emotions and experiences while allowing you, the viewer to create thoughts and stories of your own. Pop in over the summer and be transported somewhere magical. • Natasha Cousens’ exhibition Beyond the red flowers is showing until February 20.
Perfect time for a singalong A Christmas singalong will be held at Rosewood, 417 Queen St, Masterton, on Saturday, December 18 at 4pm. Hosted by Wairarapa Singers, this is not a concert but just a chance for everyone to enjoy a good old-fashioned singalong of popular Christmas music. Entry is free but you are invited to bring an item of food for the
food bank. Numbers are restricted due to covid, so you must register by email to friendlychoir@gmail. com and advise the number of people attending. Masks are mandatory to enter and leave the venue and vaccination certificates must be shown on arrival.
